Margaret Kruckemeyer. MSN, FNP-C, MA

Dayton VAMC, Dayton, OH

NOVA Past President, NOVA Nurse Emeritus

On July 23, 2021, Margaret Kruckemeyer, David Clapper, and Trica Sloan were pleased to present a gravesite flower arrangement to honor Emma Lloyd Miller, Department of Veterans Affairs first female employee. Emma Lloyd Miller served as both matron and superintendent of Depot’s Central Branch of the National Home of Disabled Volunteer Soldiers (now known as  the Dayton VA Medical Center) from 1867-1914. 

Prior to this gravesite remembrance, Dayton’s Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE) service hosted 30 new potential volunteer recruits from CareSource’s employee base to experience and tour the Dayton VA Medical Campus, a 288-acre national historical landmark. Highlights of their 2-hour campus tour included visiting the circa 1868 historic Protestant Chapel, Grotto Gardens, Dayton National Cemetery, as well as the grounds where soldiers and community visitors gathered for over 150 years. Medical Center Director, Mark Murdock welcomed them to learn more about all areas where veteran-focused volunteers can help impact the quality of life and activities for veterans and their families “who have borne the battle”. 

In addition to the VA’s presentation, the American Veterans Heritage Center (AVHC) and the Dayton National Cemetery Support Committee outlined numerous volunteer opportunities where generously donated personal time and effort consistently assists Veterans and helps to improve their quality of life. It is said that the greatest gift you can give someone is your time, and all were in agreement that our local Veterans have certainly earned this gift and so much more in return for their service. 

AVHC will host their Patriot Salute Festival on campus Sept 11-12, 2021 honoring the Dayton VA’s essential employees in memory of the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attack on America. CareSource’s MVSU ERG will be partnering to support this festive event. AVHC will also unveil a statue of our 16th U.S. President Abraham Lincoln to reside in the heart of Dayton's VAMC historic district. It was noted that on April 15, 2003, former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Anthony Principi helped to launch the Heritage of Healing campus’ historic preservation program – now managed by AVHC. Mr. Principi is currently the Chairman of the CareSource Board of Directors. 

A mention to the future, Dayton’s VAMC campus will become the official home of the DVA’s National History Center in 2025. Veterans’ historical tourism is expected to return in greater numbers than what occurred in 1910 when a mere 660,000 visited the historic, post-Civil War, Dayton’s Soldier’s Home.  

Many of our wonderful volunteers are retired, and all energetic retirees and NOVA nurse emeritus are welcomed to join our efforts in supporting Veterans and their families by volunteering at their VA installations and/or Veterans’ groups within their hometowns. You have an opportunity on December 18, 2021 to honor a Veteran by donating a wreath to be placed on a Veteran’s gravesite as part of Wreaths Across America – what a perfect way to show gratitude during the season of giving by honoring a United States Veteran.

Photo (Left to Right): Trica Sloan (Public Affairs Office, CareSource’s Military & Veteran Support Unit Employee Resource Group); David Clapper (Civil Affairs Officer, CareSource’s Military & Veteran Support Unit Employee Resource Group; American Veterans Heritage Center Secretary); and Margaret Kruckemeyer (APRN, NOVA Past President, Nurse Emeritus)

TJ Wilcox-Olson, MHS, RN

NOVA President-Elect

VA Portland Healthcare System

NOVA Chapter 332

Have you ever wanted a member from NOVA’s Board of Directors to present on NOVA’s membership benefits to your chapter and facility? Look no further! The NOVA Board of Directors is available to provide virtual presentations on the advantages of being a member of a professional nursing organization.

Over the last year we have all had to get creative since travel has been restricted and face-to-face meetings extremely limited. In June 2021, Tomah VA’s Transition to Practice (TTP) program invited NOVA President-Elect TJ Wilcox-Olson to speak about NOVA and the benefits of joining a professional nursing organization. Due to COVID-19 social distancing requirements, the TTP residents were divided into two separate groups and TJ presented virtually to each group. TJ shared NOVA’s “Top 5” which includes information on the education NOVA provides members, certification and education partnerships and discounts, mentorship, networking, and advocacy. Based on feedback received from these presentations, NOVA is extending this opportunity to all chapters. 

NOVA’s mission is to educate, communicate, and advocate for VA Nurses professionally, personally, and legislatively. Being a member of a nursing organization is important for every nurse’s professional growth and continuous learning. NOVA is made up of a diverse group of nurses from across the country and ensures VA nurses are at the table when important decisions are made. By sharing information about all that NOVA has to offer, the organization can continue to flourish and offer even more to members.

If your chapter is interested in hosting a presentation, please reach out to nova@vanurse.org.

NOVA’s Advanced Practice Registered Nurses discuss the reasons why they chose a career at the VA, and share the day to day difficulties of working at a VA clinic.

Choosing Nursing 

For Cathy Wogamon, DNP, FNP-BC, CWON, CFCN at the Lake City VAMC, nursing has always been in her heart and working at the VA was always part of her plan. 

“My father was a Purple Heart WWII recipient,” Wogamon said. “My clinic wall is full of pictures of family and  those ‘like-family’, including my nephews who are currently serving. I love serving  Veterans who served our country and appreciate all their service for our freedom.”

The decision to go into nursing was unexpected for Karen Boenig, MSN, APRN, ANP-BC at the VA Boston Healthcare System. Originally, she was accepted into the pre-med program, but switched to nursing before starting her freshman year at Boston College.

“I started volunteering at the VA Boston Healthcare System when I was 14 years old and continued until I went to college. My plan was to work at the VA for one year to get medical-surgical experience and go work at one of the Boston area hospitals. But I loved the VA so much and after 37 years I am still there. 

Kelly Loven, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC at the VA Central Western Massachusetts, always knew she would go into nursing.

“I am a third-generation nurse in my family,” Even while playing sports in high school, I was the one who provided the ace wraps in our small town school.”  I chose the VA because I wanted to give back to those that have served. When entering the VA  there is always a ‘hello’ or a ‘thank you’ from a Veteran.” 

Tackling Tough Days

Being a nurse is not just about medical procedures or tests. It’s about being there for your patients on tough days and helping them get better. One of the ways Wogamon helps Veterans through tough days is by simply listening. 

“Active listening is very important in the clinic, often a Veteran needs someone to listen more than any medical care we can offer.  Spouses who have lost their Veteran have called to thank us for our care and to share a moment of their own grieving. There have been  tears, laughter, and other emotions shared and I plan for that to continue throughout my service to the Veterans.” 

“One of the Veterans who was scheduled to see me was stuck in his wheelchair on the lift of The Ride. The Ride is a paratransit service that the Veteran used for transportation to his primary care appointment. His wife came into the VA and told me what had happened. I went out and saw the patient in the parking lot, so he didn't miss his appointment.”

Memorable Days

Despite having tough days, there are times that are memorable and rewarding. Loven realized on her first day at the VA that she had made the right choice. 

“I immediately knew it was a great decision for me. I remember thinking to myself everyone smiles, says good morning when passing by, and how appreciative the  Veterans are. It is a great feeling and not always felt in the private sector,” Loven said.

Wogamon remembers being overwhelmed running the Wound and Ostomy Clinic on her own. 

“I was unsure at times if I was doing all I could for my patients. I remember a Veteran who came back to me and said, ‘I want to thank you for saving my leg.’ I felt like I was where I was needed, doing what was needed”. 

Impact of NOVA

According to Loven, NOVA helped her in different ways as a new member. “NOVA  helped me understand the VA through mentorship, webinars, and education … I love that  the members become a family and support each other.”

For Wogamon, NOVA gave her the opportunity to network with other VA nurses and share information and words of encouragement with them. “I especially valued my NOVA membership during COVID. It was nice to be able to hear from other nurses around the country who were serving on the frontlines and to have a connection when it seemed like so many things were disconnected.”

Registration is now open for the NOVA 41st Annual Meeting. Held in Las Vegas, Nevada on October 21-22. Meet other NOVA nurses from around the country. Click here for more information.

Ashley Lovelace

Membership Coordinator

NOVA

Have you added your personal email to your account? If not, no worries, we are here to help! Just follow the simple steps below to add your personal email address to your NOVA account.

Step 1: Sign in to www.vanurse.org. Using your NOVA username and password. If by chance you do not remember them, you can email nova@vanurse.org to have them reset.

Step 2: After signing in, locate the “My Profile” box on the top right corner of your page. Once located click “Manage Profile”.

3. After clicking the “Manage Profile” link. Locate the “Information and Settings” box at the top of the web page.

4. Once located, click the “Edit Bio” link.

5. You should be brought to your “Edit My Member Profile” page.  Locate the “Email Address and Confirm Email” fields. If these fields have your va.gov email listed, this is incorrect. Please replace it with your personal email address. 

*Note: These two fields should match. Your profile WILL NOT UPDATE if the fields do not match.

6. Once your email address has been updated, scroll to the bottom of the webpage. Click “Save Changes”. Once saved your Member Profile will be automatically updated to reflect the new email address.

All updates can be made at any time once a member logs in to the NOVA website. If you have any questions, you can email nova@vanurse.org to help with managing your profile.